Tonghun Choe

Tonghun Choe, age of 76, of Saluda passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2016 by car accident. He was born in Korea on June 15th 1939. His father had died even before he was born. So He was raised by his mother. It surprises us how he could become such a good father even though he had never experienced the love of his father. He lived a fruitful life of faith for the last 76 years. He set an example to all of us through how he lived his life. He truly lived a life of service and prayer. First of all, he lived a life of service. He served for 36 years in logistic support positions in the U.S. Army’s material management organizations in Korea. His lifetime career contributed immeasurably to the successful cooperative partnerships between Korea and the U.S., the successful national defense of Korea, and the successful strategic defense of the U.S. He was a top performer in all aspects of competence, technical expertise, and dedication.  He also devoted his life to underprivileged teenagers of Korea. He ran a free night school for poor teenagers for 15 years. Hundreds of underprivileged teenagers changed their lives because of his selfless sacrifice. Many of them still remember him and thank him. As well as that, he lived his life to serve God and the church. He was a passionate preacher, well-respected elder, and honorable spiritual leader of his church back in Korea. His sermons and testimonies touched the hearts of many people because his life itself was a true message to them. Secondly, he lived a life of prayer. Ever since he became a Christian at his young age, he never missed an early morning prayer meeting come rain or shine. Even after he moved to the U.S., he committed his life to prayer and intercession over the final few years of his life. He posted on Facebook about a month ago. “Lord, do not let me live the rest of my life worrying about what to eat, drink or wear. Instead, let me die while praying for Your kingdom and Your righteousness.” Just as he prayed, he went to glory while coming back from his daily prayer at church. Last but not least, he was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He left a legacy of faith to all family members. He showed us how to live a godly life. His life of service and prayer inspired us to live not to be successful, but to be faithful. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by everyone he knew and loved. May he rest in peace with the heavenly Father whom he loved and served all his life. Mr. Choe is survived by his wife of 47 years, Yongbun Kwon; a daughter, Soyoung Yang (Rev. Yang); two sons, Rev. Hunju Choe (Haejung), Hunkook Choe (Hyojin); a grandson, Yedam Yang; five granddaughters, Sahrang and Chanmi Yang, Youna , Hanah, Gahee, and Gaeun Choe. He is also survived by sister, Oakryun Suh. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday at New Hope United Methodist Church, 2489 Lewis B. Puller Memorial Hwy., Saluda, VA 23149, with the family receiving friends for 30 minutes prior to the service. Interment will be in the church cemetery.